Understanding Whiplash And How It Is Managed
By Zeina Grifoni
When the neck is moved abruptly in any one direction it can result in a painful injury. Known as whiplash, it usually occurs following a sudden impact such as a motor vehicle accident, and causes damage to the tendons and ligaments in the neck. Pain and stiffness follow when this happens and are characteristic of this type of injury.
The symptoms can range from mild to severe, depending on the nature of the accident and from which direction the neck experienced the force. Patients usually report a painful, stiff neck which makes movement difficult, headaches, muscle spasms, and sometimes pain that is referred into the back, shoulders, or arms. At first the patient may not notice the pain, as it may take 6-12 hours to set in, and it will likely get worse over the days that follow.
Less commonly, one may experience such symptoms as numbness in the arms and hands, lower back pain, fatigue, dizziness, blurred vision, and vertigo. Even more rarely, one may have memory, irritability, and difficulty concentrating. These symptoms if experienced, should not last long, if they do, a physician should be consulted.
While the most frequent cause of this condition is automobile accidents, it can also occur due to several other causes. A blow to the head may also happen as a result of another kind of accident such as slipping and falling down a set of stairs, or during a match of a contact sport such as football, hockey, or boxing. Someone who is a victim of a violent act such as a mugging in which he or she is hit over the head with a blunt instrument may also suffer from this disorder.
A physician can normally diagnose this injury by the description of the symptoms given by the patient alone. It's important that the healthcare provider be informed of all symptoms experienced and an accurate account of the accident responsible for the injury. Physical examination of the neck may be all that's needed, but in some cases a patient may be sent for an x-ray, MRI, or CT scan to further assess the damage.
In many cases, this condition is "self-limiting", which means that it will typically improve over time with minimal treatment. Patients may take analgesics for the pain such as paracetamol and ibuprofen, if it is extreme, the doctor may prescribe a stronger drug like codeine. If the pain continues for more than six months, which is unusual, it may be chronic.
Although it will likely be painful, it is important to one's recovery to keep the neck mobile as much as possible following the injury. Using a neck brace is not advisable since it immobilizes the neck, rather it is best to perform some moderate exercises and stretches that help restore normal functioning and range of motion. Yoga may be helpful in promoting healing.
If the pains persists, it can limit the patient's work and leisure activities considerably. Very few patients will be affected by chronic pain, but those that do experience it may be referred for physiotherapy, massage therapy, or both. Taking this approach can usually help restore normal functionality to the neck.
The symptoms can range from mild to severe, depending on the nature of the accident and from which direction the neck experienced the force. Patients usually report a painful, stiff neck which makes movement difficult, headaches, muscle spasms, and sometimes pain that is referred into the back, shoulders, or arms. At first the patient may not notice the pain, as it may take 6-12 hours to set in, and it will likely get worse over the days that follow.
Less commonly, one may experience such symptoms as numbness in the arms and hands, lower back pain, fatigue, dizziness, blurred vision, and vertigo. Even more rarely, one may have memory, irritability, and difficulty concentrating. These symptoms if experienced, should not last long, if they do, a physician should be consulted.
While the most frequent cause of this condition is automobile accidents, it can also occur due to several other causes. A blow to the head may also happen as a result of another kind of accident such as slipping and falling down a set of stairs, or during a match of a contact sport such as football, hockey, or boxing. Someone who is a victim of a violent act such as a mugging in which he or she is hit over the head with a blunt instrument may also suffer from this disorder.
A physician can normally diagnose this injury by the description of the symptoms given by the patient alone. It's important that the healthcare provider be informed of all symptoms experienced and an accurate account of the accident responsible for the injury. Physical examination of the neck may be all that's needed, but in some cases a patient may be sent for an x-ray, MRI, or CT scan to further assess the damage.
In many cases, this condition is "self-limiting", which means that it will typically improve over time with minimal treatment. Patients may take analgesics for the pain such as paracetamol and ibuprofen, if it is extreme, the doctor may prescribe a stronger drug like codeine. If the pain continues for more than six months, which is unusual, it may be chronic.
Although it will likely be painful, it is important to one's recovery to keep the neck mobile as much as possible following the injury. Using a neck brace is not advisable since it immobilizes the neck, rather it is best to perform some moderate exercises and stretches that help restore normal functioning and range of motion. Yoga may be helpful in promoting healing.
If the pains persists, it can limit the patient's work and leisure activities considerably. Very few patients will be affected by chronic pain, but those that do experience it may be referred for physiotherapy, massage therapy, or both. Taking this approach can usually help restore normal functionality to the neck.
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